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Colorado Springs Branch 141 Celebrates 100th Anniversary

Colorado Springs Branch 141 Celebrates 100th Anniversary
By Marilyn Walton
NAPS Western Region Vice President

The Rocky Mountain Area had a multi-celebration event with the Colorado-Wyoming Bi-State convention, training seminar and Colorado Springs Branch 141’s 100th anniversary. It made for a nonstop, eventful weekend. Rocky Mountain Area Vice President Myrna Pashinski coordinated all the events and called the meeting to order Friday morning, May 31.

Branch 141 hosted the event; delegates representing Colorado, Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico attended. Special guests were NAPS Executive Vice President Chuck Mulidore and me.

USPS guests and speakers attending were John DiPeri, vice president, Western Regional Processing Operations; Doug Smith, district manager, Colorado/Wyoming; Mike Hurley, OIC, Colorado Springs; and Will Love, senior Denver Plant manager. Also attending was Michelle Stonelake, Colorado Springs Plant manager.

The postal officials shared some of the challenges they are experiencing as the USPS rolls out the “Delivering for America” (DFA) plan. They asked for our patience as the agency attempts to smooth the transition to the new processes.

Karla Kirby, USPS executive manager for the Postal Service Health Benefits program, coordinated Zoom training on the significant changes to PSHB starting this fall. Brian Wagner, past NAPS president, provided training on Bullying and Officers Duties & Responsibilities. John Aceves, former NAPS secretary/treasurer, presented training on ELM 650 and training for NAPS representatives and SWCs. Gina DeMatte, USPS Employee Assistance Program, presented important information about EAP services for employees and their family members.

Colorado Springs Branch 141 hosted its 100th anniversary dinner and provided a DJ, dancing and photo booth to take fun pictures. The Las Vegas delegates got the party started; everyone had a good time.

The two-and-a-half-day event covered all the bases!

Los Angeles Branch 39 Members Honored

To show my appreciation for the outstanding SPAC efforts at the California State Convention, I sponsored a dinner for the Legislative SPAC team and California State Auxiliary. Their efforts at the convention helped raise $15,000 for SPAC. It was a difficult assignment as our 2024 convention was held at the Red Hawk Casino. Still, they persevered and succeeded!

I also had the opportunity to visit the Sonesta Hotel in Los Angeles, the venue for the 2025 California State Convention to be hosted by Los Angeles Branch 39. The hotel is just steps away from the entrance to LAX, with 24-hour shuttle service and ample parking.

The Sonesta Hotel currently is being renovated and looks forward to welcoming NAPS next year. Contracts are being finalized and more information on fees, activities and events planned for the 2025 four-day state convention will be shared soon.

On Sunday, Branch 39’s Scholarship Committee hosted a casino/ shopping fundraising excursion to the famous Viejas Casino and shopping outlets in San Diego. Hosts Youvet Profit and Shirley Lee kept travelers entertained on our two-hour bus ride with bingo games and 50-50 raffles.

All proceeds from the bus trip went to Branch 39’s scholarship program. Each year, the branch awards four, $500 scholarships to children or grandchildren of branch members attending an accredited college or university. The fundraiser, in its 14th year, has contributed to the annual branch scholarship program.

Los Angeles is a fun place to visit, with lots of sightseeing and entertainment. We are looking forward to next year’s state convention.